Bangladesh Has Just 189 Tigers Left as Conservation Concerns Grow

Bangladesh is home to only 189 tigers, with conservationists warning that the country's iconic species remains under significant threat despite ongoing protection efforts.

Speaking at Bangladesh National Zoo on Wednesday during a Global Tiger Day event, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the existing tiger population is too small to ensure the species' long-term survival.

He noted that tigers are among the world's most important wildlife species and play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. Raising public awareness and encouraging younger generations to participate in conservation efforts, he said, are essential to protecting the endangered animal.

Highlighting the global decline in tiger numbers, the minister said the world's tiger population has fallen dramatically from around 100,000 a century ago to approximately 5,000 today, reflecting the growing challenges facing the species worldwide.


According to the latest figures, 124 tigers currently live in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh's only natural tiger habitat. Bangladesh National Zoo houses around 15 tigers, while another 50 are kept in zoos across the country, bringing the total population to 189.


The minister described tigers as a valuable national asset and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening conservation initiatives. He said continued protection efforts would help preserve the species while allowing future generations to understand the importance of wildlife conservation.


Responding to questions about the tiger census and related funding, Tuku clarified that the responsibility for conducting tiger population surveys lies with the Forest Department rather than the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. He added that the department carries out the census through its established procedures and maintains transparency throughout the process.


As part of the Global Tiger Day programme, the state minister also inaugurated a souvenir shop at Bangladesh National Zoo, highlighting the event's broader efforts to promote wildlife awareness and conservation.